Servite Friars
At 03:34 am on Saturday 27 February, a large part of Chile has been shaken by a devastating earthquake. Everywhere you can see a lot of destruction. The prior provincial, Fra Demetrio M. De La Torre, informed us that our friars are doing well and that the structures of our homes, churches and schools have not suffered serious damage. In the houses of the 'Hogar KOINOMADELFIA, only some glass and furniture were broken. The children and aunts (babysitters) are still a bit' scared. Over time, the friars have learned that the houses of some brothers of the Secular and employees of schools, have suffered more or less serious, damage and are now forced to sleep in the open with the fear of being looted by the criminals. The friars are asking from us financial assistance to aid these people. Those who wished to offer help, especially among the Servite Family, could do so by sending their cash donations to the General Treasurer of the Order, who will establish a fund for this purpose.
--Fra Charlie M. Leitão de Souza, O.S.M.
General-Secretary for the Evangelization of Peoples and Justice and Peace.
Marianists
We are shaken.
A grateful salute to all the many people who were interested in the situation of the Marianist Family in Chile during the shocking earthquake (grade 8.9) that occurred in our country. I also share with you some important information and a little reflection.
This earthquake has caused a national catastrophe of unprecedented proportions. The human and economic impact will be very large. Full recovery will take many months. It is said that an earthquake is "misleading" as it has destroyed a lot more than is evident at first.
No one connected with the Marianist family has died or been seriously injured. There are over 300 deaths in the country [recent reports indicate more than 700 have died] and almost100 missing. More than 500,000 homes are destroyed. Many public service buildings: hospitals, schools, museums, prisons ...,are all structurally damaged. Our Marianist presence is focused in Linares, Talca and Santiago. In the first two places there are many casualties and much damage. They are the second most affected region of the country. In Santiago we felt the quake to a lesser degree. It is difficult to estimate the expenses which I presume will be necessary to make repairs to the Residence Hall, the Parish of San Miguel, schools, the religious community of Puente Alto(Santiago), and that of the sisters in Talca. During these days the Iberoamerican Children's Literature Congress was being held in Santiago, organized by the SM Foundation and the Grupo SM.
The Congress opened with a massive turnout of some 800 people including a good number of foreigners. It was to have been very successful. With a day and a half left before its completion, of course, it had to be abandoned. For those who lived through this experience for the first time, the impact and terror was much higher. Living through an earthquake as it occurs is an unforgettable experience that etches into one's memory the date and place and, in many ways, defines the future between what occurred before and after the "Great Earthquake of Cauquenes (2010)." What a rich sense of feeling fully alive when the earth settles down!
For a moment one had the impression that only one's heart has the power to hold on to life, as the earth and all of one's surroundings crumbled. And for a moment as one looks around and sees what is essential, one is reminded of God. The strength of an overly aggressive and invasive nature shakes us back to our senses and sound judgment: today all creation matters, every life matters, we are all in the same situation, all without exception. The pain will leave its mark, and even more so, on the poorest of the poor.We commend ourselves to your prayers so that, in this test, we might remain strong and generous.
José María Arnaiz SM
Redemptorists
Dear Confreres,
We have received this first news about the condition of our confreres and houses in Chile from Fr. Luis Fuica, C.Ss.R., Provincial Econome. We will continue to keep you informed through the upcoming Scala monthly newsletter also. As you know, an immense earthquake struck 80% of Chile. Our confreres are unharmed. There is damage to our foundation in Cauquenes, which is about fifty kilometers from the epicenter of the quake. It was a terrible experience for our 5 Redemptorists living there but they are safe. Their residence is now uninhabitable. The damage to the Church and meeting areas will have to be evaluated.
Here in Santiago the worst damage occurred to our Basilica Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. One of the steeples was badly damaged. The damage is confined to the exterior, the side windows and to the Sacristy. Thank God the interior of the church and stained glass are okay. Also around the exterior of the Church there is heavy stone ornamentation that has fallen to the street. We thank you all for your concern for us. We will send more news later. We are now in solidarity with Haiti.
Jesuits (Maryland Province, twinned with Chile)
Brothers, Late yesterday we received a report from Chilean Provincial, Eugenio Valenzuela, S.J., about the situation of our brother Jesuits and our works in Chile. The major points are the following:
There were no Jesuit deaths or injuries and to date there is no news of Jesuit family members, close colleagues or students who have died.
The area around Concepción still has very poor communication, so
Hogar de Cristo is working with the National Emergency Office (Their FEMA) in the collection of food, blankets, diapers and charcoal throughout the country.
Un Techo para Chile ("A Roof for Chile"), in coordination with the Colegios, Christian Life Communties, the Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Infocap (The University of the Worker) is working with volunteers to clear rubble, accompany those affected by home loss, reconstruction of houses and probably the raising of "mediaguas," very simple one room houses of plywood.
Practically all of the Jesuit houses and schools have suffered some damage, ranging from minor plaster and stucco damage, loss of computer equipment and church appointments to major infrastructural damage to some buildings.
Many have asked us how they might contribute to the relief work of the Society and its works there. The Maryland Province can accept funds and channel them directly to Chile through the Chilean Province.
Gifts in support of the Chile earthquake victims may be directed to the Maryland Province Jesuits; attention "Chile Relief Fund." Please make checks payable to "Maryland Province Jesuits Fund" and mail them to: Maryland Province Jesuits Fund P.O. Box 64818 Baltimore, MD 21264 Write the notation "Chile Relief Fund" on your check.
Contributions also can be made on-line at the Maryland Province website www.mdsj.org. Click on "Chile Relief Fund" (upper right of the Home Page). Please feel free to share this Chile update as you see fit.
Fraternally,
Jim Shea, SJ
Provincial, Maryland Province
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